Why say the diagnosis?
Police can enter an adult as missing under Disability in the FBI's national database. That category is for a person of any age with a proven mental or physical disability that puts them in danger (DOJ NCIC fact sheet). For anyone under 21, police must enter the report within 2 hours (Suzanne's Law).
What to have ready
- A recent photo
- Height, weight, hair, eyes, tattoos
- Phone number, car, and plate
- Medicines and the doctor's name
- Places your loved one goes
What can you do now?
Call 911 or local police to report it.
What this step unlocks: a police report and a national database entry.
Say "mental illness" and ask them to enter it as endangered or disability.
What this step unlocks: higher priority.
Call local hospitals and emergency rooms. Ask if a patient matching the description is there. Staff may or may not say.
What this step unlocks: you check the places your loved one may have been taken.
Search the county jail's inmate lookup online.
Create a NamUs case at namus.nij.ojp.gov.
What this step unlocks: national matching with medical examiners.
Keep your phone on and someone at home.
Don't. Don't post your loved one's diagnosis publicly. Share it with police.
Where can you find help in your state?
Illinois | Wisconsin | DC | Maryland | Virginia | California
This is general information, not legal or medical advice.
FAQ
Q: Do I have to wait 24 hours to report a missing loved one?
No. You can report right away.
Q: Should I tell police about the mental illness?
Yes. It can let police list your loved one as endangered or disabled.
Q: What is NamUs?
A free national database that matches missing people with unidentified persons cases.
Q: What should I bring to the police?
A recent photo, a description, medicines, and places your loved one goes.